1. Scope

Keywords

Rationale

There are currently no ASTM test methods that specifically cover the determination of particle size distribution (PSD) of granular infill materials used in artificial turf surfaces via sieve analysis. In the absence of a fully applicable method, existing methods for sieve analysis of other materials (aggregate, for example) are often used to determine the PSD of infill materials - often with modification. Over the past several years, the synthetic turf industry has seen an increase in the use of organic/plant-based/vegetal infill materials. These materials include cork, wood, walnut shells, and olive pits, among others. While ASTM sieve analysis methods exist for crumb rubber, a commonly used infill material, there is no method that covers all granular infill materials. A standard method describing how to determine the PSD of all granular infill materials via sieve analysis will allow manufacturers to characterize their respective materials according to a uniform method and will provide specifiers, laboratories, and customers with the ability verify compliance with the manufacturers' specifications or published data.